"And how kind in you, Molly, to name her for me! Oh, it makes me so happy to see you able to move about, and with this new treasure added to your store!" The others added their congratulations; and Mr.Embury remarked, with a happy laugh, "Molly certainly thinks there was never another baby quite equal to hers in any respect." "Which is very natural," said Mrs.Dinsmore.

"I remember having some such idea about my own first baby." The Ion children were allowed a few days of entire liberty to roam about and make themselves fully acquainted with the beauties of Viamede, Magnolia Hall, and the neighborhood before beginning school duties.
Meanwhile their elders had visited Oakdale Academy and made the acquaintance of Prof.Silas Manton, his wife and two daughters,--Miss Diana and Miss Emily,--who, with Signor Foresti, music-master, and M.Saurin, instructor in French, formed the corps of teachers belonging to the institution.
Privately our friends were but indifferently pleased with any of them; still it was decided to enter the children as pupils there for the present, and, watching carefully over them, remove them at once if any evidence of harmful influence were perceived.
So far as they could learn, the parents of the pupils already there had found no cause for complaint; and, as a school was greatly needed in the vicinity, the Viamede families were desirous to aid in sustaining this should it prove, as they still hoped, a good one.
The children were naturally full of curiosity in regard to their future instructors, and gathering about the ladies on their return, plied them with questions.
"How many boys go to the school, Grandma Elsie, and who teaches them ?" queried Max.
"Two questions at a time, Max!" she said pleasantly.
"Yes, ma'am; but if you will please answer one at a time I'll be entirely satisfied." "I think the professor said there were six or eight; and he teaches them himself.

That is, boys of your age and older, Max; the very little ones go into the primary department along with the little girls, and are taught principally by Miss Emily." "And who will teach us larger girls, mamma ?" asked Rosie.
"Mrs.Manton hears some of the recitations; Miss Diana sits in the schoolroom all the time to keep order, and hears most of the lessons.
Professor Manton has all the classes in Latin, German, and the higher mathematics." "Boys and girls both ?" asked Lulu.
"Yes, all children are together in those studies." "That's nice," Max said with satisfaction.
"You like the idea of going to school again, Max ?" "Oh yes, Grandma Elsie; if the fellows I'll be put with are nice.

You know I haven't had a boy-companion for a long time--as a schoolmate, I mean.

But if they turn out sneaks or bullies, I shall not enjoy their company.